RX-8 questions

2-stroke oil must be JASO FD or ISO-L-EGD certified and it'll be all gravy.  But you must mix with 93 because adding oil to gas will lower the octane rating.

I use Idemitsu Premix in mine. LINK Several people I know use Pettit's Premix. LINK

As for the "soft" feel of the brakes, anyone who says that is crazy. They're just trying to justify the purchase price of their strut bar (with accompanying brake booster). Sure it may help a little, but it's hardly noticable.

Best thing you can do for brake feel is stainless lines (Goodridge is the best).

Thanks for the responses guys. I wasn't to sure about the bracket thing, definitely stainless steel lines. So looks like the only real thing I need to worry about is getting a quality premix.

Thanks again.  

I use Pettit's premix every other fill up in my brand new 09. I might switch to to even less, like once a month or something. I would recommend doing it some, though I don't think every fill up it is needed.

If you get one with foglights I would do the fog light rewire since having your fogs on at the same time as your headlights only is kinda dumb, but that is not a functional mod. nothing else is really needed, unless you get an 04 that has not had the starter upgraded.I have read that the first models had weak starters. I think there was a Mazda service bulletin to get the upgraded one installed under warranty, but not sure. All the new models, 05 and up, should have the better starter.

Well, looking for an 07 first maybe an 06. Found a couple of 08 in my price range, but so far they always have AT, definitely need MT.  Fog lights are supposed to supplement your headlights, so I think I would leave that mod alone. But thanks. Yes, looks like the premix is the most important thing.

How about oil guys. After reading Brandon's write up, I am curious to what owners of the 8's run. 5w-20 dino  or are you guys running synthetic....or 5w-30?

Thanks again guys

I run full synthetic 10W-40. 10W-50 is popular on 8club, especially for the turbo guys.

So as not to disturb Mazda if any warranty issues arise, I'm running 5W-20 or 5W-30 dino. Whichever I can find in the store I'm in.

That's probably a good idea John. Thinking about leaning that way myself once I aquire an 8.

I run 4 oz of Idemitsu premix per tank.  I'd run premix in any 04-08.  I doubt this would be necessary in an 09 with the extra injector.

For oil, I use 5w-30 in the winter and 10w-40 Castrol GTX spring thru fall & for the track.  If you get a low miles car, you could switch to synthetic, but I wouldn't do it on a higher mileage car.  Read Brandini's rotary oil tech post; it's got some really good info.  I wouldn't run 5w-20.

I have the MazdaSpeed strut bar with the master cylinder brace.  The brace is supposed to neutralize any flexing the firewall may allow when on the brakes hard.  If you aren't on a track/autocross course, it's probably pointless.  Even there, I don't really notice it.  The brakes on the 8 are some of the best out there.  If you are going to track the car, go to DOT4 brake fluid.

An uprated battery is useful should you ever flood the car.  The stock battery will probably die before you clear things out.

Oh, to find which weigh oil, you'll need oil pressure and temp gauges... so pick up a setup you think looks nice.

Dot3 and 4 are not compatible and there's no need to switch.  Amsoil dot3 survives track temps just fine:
http://www.amsoil.com/catalog.aspx?code=BF3SN-EA

As far as oil injection in an 09... if the Sohn adapter works, I'd be inclined to skip the premix and adapt the car to inject 2-stroke.  It's really the best option since if you premix you still inject dirty motor oil that's designed not to burn into the engine...  It WILL burn but it won't do so easily.

Thanks again G and Brandon. Good stuff. Will definitely study the oil question some more, but I am getting there. 

Oh, to find which weigh oil, you'll need oil pressure and temp gauges... so pick up a setup you think looks nice.
Dot3 and 4 are not compatible and there's no need to switch.  Amsoil dot3 survives track temps just fine:
[url]
As far as oil injection in an 09... if the Sohn adapter works, I'd be inclined to skip the premix and adapt the car to inject 2-stroke.  It's really the best option since if you premix you still inject dirty motor oil that's designed not to burn into the engine...  It WILL burn but it won't do so easily.

-brandini

Aren't you thinking of DOT5 as being non-compatible?  I'd certainly flush the DOT3 through if you changed to DOT4.  The AMSOIL is impressive for DOT3; it has about the same numbers as lower end DOT4 fluids, so that would be a great choice, but you'd still need to flush the old stuff through to get the better temp range.

A Sohn adapter is great in theory (a more appropriate oil at the rate you want), but I guarantee your warranty will be gone with one.

I haven't yet found anyone with a Sohn that's needed engine-specific warranty work...

DOT3 should be used to maintain seal compatibility since dot4 adds some chemicals not allowed in dot3 fluids.  You can take a chance but it's brakes...

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_brakefluid_1a.shtml

Thanks again guys. Very interesting stuff. Since it is highly doubtful I will be tracking my car when it is purchased, I will certainly stay with DOT3. I will continue to read about oils and oil injection and the options, but will most likely not want to put any warranty at risk.

When the 8 is found, I will take what I learn from modding the Speed and apply to the 8. First, no springs, will save for a set of coilovers. I loved the way my springs and sways handled at speed in the twisties, but it beat up Mariann when ever we were driving around town. Coilovers will offer the stiff suspension when needed, and can soften it up.
Most likely the first mod could be an audio one, upgrading the stereo depending on what the 8 stock ones sound like. I do like some good tunes while twisting in the mountains.

Thanks again for the info.

be careful with adjustables... they often do not work as intended:
http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets6.html

Wow, that was a good read Brandon. I will be careful in choosing all my future mods. 

www.shox.com

has the Billstein PSS9 coilover kit for $1467.36
amongst other goodies

Fred, food for thought. David @ Lynchburg Mazda said the rebates on a '09 are so good that you should look at doing that vs buying an '07.